More and more details have been surfacing on 2019’s potential Oscar contenders. One film that many are taking notice of is Just Mercy, based on the novel by Bryan Stevenson from Short Term 12 director, Destin Daniel Cretton. The film, whose trailer was just released by Warner Bros, is based on the true story of one lawyer’s journey to fight for justice for innocent people, with Creed star Michael B. Jordan leading alongside Academy Award winners Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson. Cretton also wrote the film alongside his co-writer for The Glass Castle, Andrew Lanham.

Bryan Stevenson (Jordan) is a lawyer who goes to Alabama to help those who have been wrongly accused and condemned for a crime they did not commit.  He gets support from Eva Ansley (Larson), a local activist who also believes in the innocent of the people sent to prison for their crimes. The film mostly centers around his defense for the case of Walter McMillian (Foxx), a man who was wrongly sentence to death for murdering an 18 year old girl. The film showcases this long battle between Stevenson’s battle for Walter against a corrupt system fueled by racism.

Considering the film comes from a relatively well praised director, is based on a true story and deals with themes of combating racism, it won’t be any surprise that Just Mercy will get some representation at the Oscars. The first trailer definitely gives a good idea that this will be a powerful emotional drama from Destin Daniel Cretton. With his work on Marvel’s Shang Chi coming within the next few years, Cretton is certainly a director that should gain recognition after this upcoming drama is released.

Just Mercy is set for release December 25th 2019. Watch the Full Trailer Below